Nevada Bans Texting While Driving

One more state has joined the Texting While Driving Ban, helping to create safer roads for motorcyclists.

On Monday, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reported that Nevada became the 34st state to ban texting while driving. Nevada also passed a law banning handheld cell-phone use while driving.

Nevada’s texting ban will go into affect on Jan. 1, 2012, but officers will begin issuing warnings in October.

Upon hearing the news about the North Dakota texting ban, the American Motorcycle Association responded.

Peter terHorst (AMA Spokesman) says: “The American Motorcyclist Association is encouraged by the number of states taking action to penalize distracted driving activities such as texting while operating a motor vehicle.

“Distracted or inattentive driving has become a major concern to the motorcycling community. Motor vehicle operators engaged in these behaviors are not just a danger to motorcyclists – they endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, roadside assistance and emergency medical personnel, highway construction workers, and law enforcement personnel. The AMA acknowledges that motorcyclists share this responsibility as well.

“The AMA supports legislation that includes enhanced penalty options to be determined by the courts. Examples include enhanced fines, operator’s license suspension, points assessed on an operator’s record, community service, and imprisonment.”

The first state to make the roads a bit safer for motorcyclists was Washington, which signed the texting ban into law in May, 2007. Since then, many states jumped on the safety trend.

But there are still 16 states to go. If you’re a motorcyclist in one of these 16 states, there are ways to be heard. Log onto the rights’ section of the AMA website to become active in ensuring not only your own safety, but the safety of every motorcycist riding in your state.